Location

Creative Commons (CC0 1.0)You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Fun Fact

Known for their exquisite craftsmanship, this piece is a rare example of Mixtec gold work, much of which was destroyed during the Spanish conquest.

Description

This unusual pendant comprises a polished jade plaque carved in the shape of the cross section of a conch shell and a delicate gold frame with tiny dangling bells. The cut conch was a jewel worn by Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent), an Aztec culture hero and supernatural creature closely associated with the wind that brings rain clouds and new life. The pendant may have been found with a set of obsidian ear ornaments (1990.191).

Provenance

?-1966

(André Emmerich, Inc., New York, NY, 1966, sold to James C. and Florence C. Gruener)

1966-1983

James C. Gruener [1903-1990], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance information, is based on historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on objects is an ongoing process, but the information about this object may not reflect the most current information available to CMA. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.